LBPD arrests second suspect in Oct. 7 murder of 23-year-old

A second arrest has been made in the Oct. 7, 2013 murder of 23-year-old Jesus Escapite Jr. of Long Beach, and charges have been filed, according to a press release issued by the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD).
Homicide detectives, continuing with the investigation, arrested 20-year-old Jesse Rodriguez of Long Beach, in the area of Hardwick Street and Rose Avenue in Long Beach, on Oct. 9. The case was presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on Oct. 11, and one count of murder was filed against both Jesse Rodriguez and Gustavo Alejandre, who had been previously arrested for the murder.
The incident was determined to be gang-related, and both Rodriguez and Alejandre are documented gang members, who, at press time, continue to be held on $2-million bail. Their next scheduled court appearance is set for Oct. 31.
The original incident was reported on Monday, Oct. 7, at approximately 3:05pm. Officers responded to the area of Long Beach Boulevard and Plymouth Street regarding a “shots fired” call. When they arrived, they located a male adult who had sustained a gunshot wound to the upper torso. Long Beach Fire Department personnel transported the victim to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
The victim was identified as Escapite.
The preliminary investigation led detectives to believe a blue four-door vehicle was possibly involved. The incident was investigated as gang-related and remained ongoing.
Homicide detectives worked with North Division patrol officers to identify a suspect. Their investigation led them to 25-year-old Alejandre of Long Beach, who was arrested by North Division Directed Enforcement Officers shortly after the murder on an unrelated charge.
On Tuesday evening, Oct. 8, officers booked Alejandre for the murder.
Those with information regarding this incident are asked to contact Long Beach Police Homicide Detectives Todd Johnson and Roger Zottneck at (562) 570-7244. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), text TIPLA plus the tip to 274637 (CRIMES), or visit LACrimeStoppers.org .